Tampa Bay Lightning signs Carter Ashton

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed right wing Carter Ashton to a standard three-year entry level contract today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced.

“We are extremely pleased to get Carter under contract today,” Lawton said. “He showed during training camp and the preseason exactly why we traded up to get him in the draft. He fits nicely with our goal of bringing in some young, talented forwards that aren’t afraid to play in the greasy areas.”

Ashton, 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, played in three games with the Lightning this preseason, recording one goal. Last season he recorded 30 goals and 50 points with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League. Ashton led the Hurricanes in goals and power play goals with 10 while ranking fifth in points. He also played in 11 playoff games, recording a goal and three points.

A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Ashton has compiled 35 goals and 59 points in 112 career WHL games, all with Lethbridge. His 2007-08 season was shortened due to an injury, though he still played in 40 games, recording five goals and nine points. During his career with the Hurricanes he played in a total of 30 post-season games, recording a goal and four points.

Ashton was selected by Tampa Bay in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Tampa Bay acquired the 29th overall pick from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for the 32nd and 75th overall picks in 2009.